Marching Forward: Creating Intentions on Your Best-Self Journey
As we welcome March with open arms, there's a sense of anticipation in the air. The days are getting longer, the weather is starting to shift, and there's a feeling of renewal stirring within us.
I feel it; do you?
March isn't just another month on the calendar; it's a powerful metaphor for progress, growth, and resilience, especially when it comes to our mental health and wellbeing.
Imagine yourself on a journey, much like a march. You're stepping forward, one foot in front of the other, with purpose and determination. Each step you take represents progress, no matter how small.
This March, let's embrace the spirit of marching forward in our journey toward becoming our best self, a person who is proud of her accomplishments, growth, and good standing. It’s still a new year with plenty of time to blossom, evolve, and make changes.
With March being Women’s History Month, I can’t help but think about the women who came before us, the fearless pioneers who dared to challenge the status quo and advocate for equality and the rights and wellbeing of all women. They marched forward with unwavering determination, despite the obstacles and resistance they faced.
Who are the women in your life that you could honor and recognize for contributing to your growth, your opportunities, and resilience?
MARCH FORWARD WITH INTENTIONALITY
Let's acknowledge that we all face obstacles and resistance, some more than others, but it’s all relative. We all have our inner struggles, our moments of doubt and uncertainty.
No matter our age or circumstance, we continue to evolve; we have hopes, dreams, and desires of who we want to become and how we want to be. It’s part of our identity.
But just like the changing seasons, and the women before us, we are meant to adapt and evolve. March teaches us that change is inevitable, and it's also an opportunity for growth.
As we march forward, let's prioritize our own personal development, self-care, and self-compassion. Take the time to nourish your mind, body, and soul. Whether it's practicing mindfulness, going for a nature walk, or simply taking a moment to breathe, make it a priority to find what brings you peace.
The Power of Establishing Intentions
I’m an advocate for being intentional, both personally and professionally. I truly believe that setting intentions is a powerful act; intentions can orient and transform our actions, guide decision making, and impact the trajectory of our lives.
Creating intentions is when you choose an action, feeling, or way of being that you want to cultivate in your life. Intentions can be our deepest desires, our deepest truths.
I am motivated by this quote from Amy Rubin Flatt: “Live less out of habit and more out of intent.”
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Judy, wait, what? I thought you were all about habits?”
I am! But what I’ve found is that we need to have intent with how we want to behave or change, otherwise we tend to fall back on our old habits and practices, continuing on auto-pilot and feeling frustrated with ourselves.
Intentions are not goals, they are meant to be a gentler, actionable way of focusing on something you want and plan to do, that’s in alignment with your values, personal development, and your best-self journey.
Some people choose to have daily intentions, or like me, have weekly, monthly, and/or yearly intentions. Writing down intentions forces reflection, helps solidify your intent, and helps them stick.
I started this new approach back in 2022, and have found it beneficial by providing a keener focus of my energy, consistent alignment with my values, and flexibility with my actions while making progress on my goals.
For more about my initial journey of setting intentions and to see an example of my monthly intentions, click here!
Since my start of intention setting, I’ve become more reflective, and I’ve experienced an escalation in my motivation and a boost in my confidence and self-worth. I feel more productive, with an elevated sense of purpose and meaning. Are you with me on this?
I’ve also realized that it’s through the practice of setting intentions that I’ve been able to develop new healthier habits, and I’ve been more successful in reaching my goals. Win. Win. 😊
Guidelines for Monthly Intention Setting
Reflect on the various areas of your life, such as family, work, physical and mental health, meaningful connections, spiritual and self-care development. Then, identify how you want to feel and be, what you are craving, what you want more of, and what you need to nurture.
Look forward to the month ahead and consider your calendar of events. If you have a lot going on, do you need to focus on self-care to address that feeling of overwhelm? If you’re in a life transition or feeling disconnected, do you need to have more meaningful connections? Be realistic with obligations and time variables. Take a compassionate approach with your needs, wants, and desires.
Identify actionable ways of focusing on something you can, want, and plan to do, that are in alignment with what you have identified, how you want to feel and be. (Your intentions)
Write down your intentions and have them in a place that you will see every day, such as a journal, sticky note, your calendar, or on your phone/computer screen saver. I like to type them up pretty and put them on my bulletin board above my computer and by my planner.
PRO TIP: It helps to write them as actions and/or feelings in the present tense; things you want to accomplish in the month/week/year, not what you’re hoping to do.
At the end of the month, reflect on your progress with your intentions. We know that life gets in the way; be gentle with yourself. Re-evaluate intentions as you march forward to the next month.
Marching Forward
As you march forward, remember, you don't have to march alone. Meaningful engagement is one of the “4 M’s” of mental health*, so reach out to your support system! Connection is a powerful tool in our mental health toolkit, and there's strength and accountability in seeking help when we need it.
This March, let's also reflect on the progress we’ve made. We all have been through many life transitions, displaying resilience and determination. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small they may seem. Each step forward is a testament to your growth, resilience, and courage.
And if you have stumbled along the way, remember that setbacks are a natural part of the journey. Be gentle with yourself, and keep marching forward. After all, it is one step at a time.
So, as we embark on this new month, let's embrace the spirit of March. Create a refresh with intention setting, so you are living less out of habit. Let's step boldly into our intentions, with hope in our hearts and a willingness to grow and take action in our best-self journey.
Together, let’s march forward toward a brighter, healthier best-self.
* 4 M’s of mental health: movement, meaningful engagement, mastery, and mindfulness.